Chapter 4
After three rounds of drinks, Alyssa excused herself to leave early.
As he had been drinking, Gregory had no choice but to ask Duane to drive her home.
While waiting for Duane in front of the hotel, Gregory hurriedly thanked Jonathan: "Jonathan, I won't mention anything else, but if you ever need anything, feel free to come to me! Also, I have been considering transferring you to the sales department. What do you think?"
Gregory, of course, could not ignore such a talent.
If Jonathan could transfer to his department, he would surely be a brilliant strategist.
Jonathan tactfully refused: "Mr. Miller, I am satisfied with my job in the warehouse, and I don't want to move at the moment."
Jonathan had no ambition. He was content with his work in the warehouse, where he had ample time. If he moved to Gregory's sales department, with his capabilities, it would be strange if he could spare any time.
"That's alright, but anytime you want to move, just let me know. I will always welcome you! Now that this matter is resolved, I will sleep well tonight. However, Alyssa got away with a real bargain!"
Jonathan's promise to Alyssa was practically telling Gregory to share his power with her.
Recalling Alyssa's temperament and previous mannerisms, Gregory felt somewhat uneasy.
Jonathan smiled lightly and said: "Mr. Miller, just accept it. If you create a problem, you should pay the price. It's pretty good as it is!"
"Of course, I know that just venting a little! You did me a big favor!" Gregory laughed heartily.
Only a short time after, Duane arrived.
Gregory insisted that Jonathan and Daisy get in the car so he could give them a lift home.
But both declined.
They were close to their rented room. A short walk would suffice.
"Well, goodbye!" Gregory remembered to wave before leaving.
"The less we meet, the better." Jonathan quickly said.
It would undoubtedly be due to a problem if Gregory sought him out.
Jonathan's comment made Daisy laugh.
"Let's go. We should head back." Jonathan slipped his hands into his pockets and suggested.
"Hmm."
The torchlights along the path illuminated their way, with the crescent moon adding a tender glow to the night.
With her eyes sparkling with curiosity, Daisy asked: "I can't help wondering whether you're not interested in promotions or short on cash. If you'd moved to the sales department, Gregory would have surely taken a liking to you, and your salary would have seen a multiple-fold increase. Heck, it could have been tenfold, but you refused!"
"Perhaps I don't crave a promotion." Jonathan nonchalantly responded, continuing his stride.
But Daisy wasn't convinced. She pursed her lips and speculated: "Jonathan, were you a senior executive at some big company before? Now you've come to Crimson Ridge to experience life and find your true calling?"
It seemed plausible. An ordinary person would need to be more familiar with the authority and structure of a large-scale company. Even if they were a prodigy, it was likely with prior exposure unless Jonathan had previously held a high-ranking position in a large corporation.
Hesitant, Jonathan admitted: "That's quite a guess! If so, I won't hide from you any longer. I used to be..."
"Used to be what?"
"I was a pivotal financial trader in the international stock market!"
Daisy: "…"
"Phew!"
Daisy White was stunned for a moment before breaking into hearty laughter: "You are... You're clever, but who would believe such an excuse? I won't press you if you don't want to discuss it."
Jonathan responded with a smile instead of words.
It wasn't that he intentionally evaded his past, but he didn't want to recall it.
Since leaving Top-Sky House, little significant had occurred to talk about.
Starting anew seemed like the best decision he had made!
Since letting go of everything, even the air he breathed seemed fresher.
They rented rooms on the sixth floor, conveniently across from each other.
Upon reaching their floor via the elevator, Daisy White suddenly stopped and invited: "It's still early. Would you like to come in for a bit?"
Perhaps it was the first time Daisy White had invited a man into her apartment. Her face turned slightly pink.
However, Jonathan decisively responded: "Nah, I feel quite tired today and would like to rest early."
Daisy White seemed disappointed immediately, feeling her enthusiasm was doused.
"Suit yourself. Remember to get up early for work tomorrow!"
"Sure!"
They bid each other goodnight and retreated to their respective apartments.
As she closed the door, Daisy White leaned against the wall, reminiscing months of knowing Jonathan.
For some reason, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.
Even since Jonathan became her neighbor, she had started to feel more secure.
It felt like having a gentleman by her side, a presence that made everything calm and serene.
But Daisy White knew well that the tenants of this high-end condominium were all well-off individuals.
Working in the sales department of Orchid, with her consistently impressive performance, her monthly salary was quite substantial, so she didn't strain to pay a rent of six thousand a month.
But what about Jonathan?
His monthly salary wasn't even enough to cover the rent.
But she had never seen him live parsimoniously.
Moreover, his skills were extraordinary, and he seemed content working in the warehouse, not seeking any career advancement.
If Jonathan were not a self-made man honing his skills in the outside world, he could well be a veteran of the business battlefield.
Either way, he was far from a simple man.
But indeed, none of this was of any relevance to Daisy White.
What concerned her was that she seemed to be slowly falling for this man, who was three years her senior.
"Ah, the old bull is charming indeed!"
***
The following morning, Jonathan and Daisy White arrived at the company.
Then he proceeded to the warehouse.
Today, warehouse manager Dhara was already there bright and early. Seeing Jonathan, he asked eagerly: "Did you, by any chance, achieve a great feat for the company yesterday?"
Jonathan, baffled, inquired: "What do you mean, boss? A great feat? How am I supposed to know?"
The negotiation with Alyssa last night was merely to help Gregory make up for his misdeeds.
"Still denying it! This morning, as soon as I arrived, I found the assistant to the general manager here, saying that the general manager specifically wanted to meet you! Get ready and meet the boss. Leave your work here."